November 1, 2001

In spring of 1992, Redstack Retirement Home on the Niagara Parkway in Fort Erie had its grand opening.  Equipped with 14 residential rooms and providing 24-hour eldercare, the facility was the dream of Rosemary Richards and her daughters Marie and Julie.  Prior to the opening, a lot of preparation had gone into transforming the 82-year-old building into a well-appointed retirement residence.  Before the public could see the finished product, the Business Development Centre of Greater Fort Erie had worked with the Richards' to complete a comprehensive business plan and loan application for the BDC board’s consideration.  Approval of the loan enabled the Richards family to make their dream a reality.

Four years later, with good management, thoughtful customer service, and attention to detail, the Fort Erie BDC loan has been repaid.  Rosemary’s advice to other would-be business owners is, “Love the work that you do, don’t be discouraged, and realize that it will take a long time [to be successful]".